I'm Back!...

from Portland and to the blogging world. Our computer's charging cord was left behind in the amazing apartment we rented so my blogging is long overdue.

Our flight to Portland got us there around midnight, after which we had to pick up luggage, rent a car, and drive to our apartment in the city. Everything went really smoothly, despite the late hour. When we walked into our rental, we were amazed and in love with our surroundings. Everything looked as good as the rental's website. The views of the city were fantastic. We were so tired, but giddy. We got to bed around 2am, and were awoken at 7am by the boys. Apparently staying up later did not help them to sleep in later. Our day was spent figuring out where we were, finding a park for the boys to play in (one of Ryan's first comments regarding Portland was, "Where's the dirt?"), drinking a lot of coffee at Stumptown, and taking a nap.

Our living room

View from the dining area

The website for our rental had promised a rooftop deck, on site movie theater, gym, and 24 hour concierge service. Everything looked just as good in person.

rooftop lounge

Phil sitting in the rooftop lounge

Phil and I on the roof

After we fully checked our our digs for the week, Phil told me that all my internet research for places to stay had really paid off. We loved it.

Happy Birthday Jack!

What a difference a year makes! I can't believe my little guy is one today. Happy birthday Jack!

Jack's first birthday

We celebrated Jack's birthday today. His actual birthday is on Tuesday, but today was easier for our family to be able to get together. I have been working hard getting everything together for his party this week, while also planning and preparing for teaching preschool VBS next week (50 pre-k!). Jack had a great time. Here are some pictures of our get together.

Jack's little birthday cake

All the cakes

Jack's own cake again

The birthday banner outside. It was hot today, despite earlier temperatures this week.

Other tables outside

The birthday boy with his brother

Jack and his new trike

All his gifts

Aunt Julie and Jack

Pa and Jack

Jack and his friend Josh

Jack had lots of help opening gifts

Jack liked his net for catching things and Ryan thought it was good for catching Jack (thanks Katie!)

Jack and his cute new sandals and his color changer cars

Jack started out being hesitant towards the cake...

First a nibble...

Then a handful...

Aggressive smooshing...

And finally, the cake board!

Happy birthday Jack! We love you and look forward to many more years.

A Priviledge

Ryan has been very interested in heaven for quite some time now and has been asking how he can go there. This past weekend, we were driving to Fresno, and we had this conversation again. I told him that he needed to pray that he was sorry for the wrong things that he did and he needed to tell Jesus that he believed in Him. He told me that he hadn't done any bad things that day so he didn't need to say sorry. During the weekend when he was disobedient or defiant, I would point it out to him and tell Ryan that those things were wrong and were sin and that is what he needed to say sorry for. He thought about it all weekend long.

Yesterday, we were driving to the store and he wanted to have the conversation again. I started to explain what he needed to pray to go to heaven. He told me that he prayed the "God our Father" prayer (which is a song the kids sing at church to bless their snack time). I told him that this was a good prayer, but not the prayer he needed to pray to be able to go to heaven. I again told him what he needed to pray. He told me he was scared to pray that and asked me to pray it with him. I of course said I would. I guided him through praying that he was sorry for the wrong things he did, that he believed in Jesus, and that he was thankful that Jesus died on the cross for him, and he repeated them after me. I was so emotional and happy, but I was driving the whole time. I immediately made a wrong turn after his prayer because I was so excited. I am so thankful for Ryan and his heart and that he asked me to pray with him. There is no greater thing that I can wish for my children than for them to accept their salvation and to become Christians. I am so grateful for this moment.

Ryan became a Christian June 8th, 2010

Almost 1

I can't believe how quickly this first year has gone by. I realized that in less than a month, Jack will be one. I started thinking about his birthday party and began planning. I also wanted to make something for the party. I was inspired by Katie's banners, so I made one for Jack (and Ryan wants to use it too).

To show our family what a big boy he is becoming, Jack started walking! He is still unsteady, but he's gone from taking a three steps at a time, to walking across the living room. We are so proud of him. I was thinking that 11 months ago, he could do nothing for himself, and now he's walking. WOW.

Mud Brothers

Yesterday, Phil and Ryan dug a pit in our backyard and today the pit was filled with water. Ryan had a great time digging, splashing, and covering himself with mud. He kept yelling out, "I'm getting PIG DIRTY!!!!!!"

Jack kept going over to the pit, but I would pull him back and tell him no mud. He would cry, and cry, and stick his lip out. Finally, I relented, stripped his cute little outfit off, and let him have at it.

Ryan yelled out, "We're mud brothers," and dropped a splat of mud on Jack's head. Jack giggled hysterically, as mud dripped down his face. They splashed, they screamed, they squished mud, and they dug. I have two BOYS on my hands.

They both sobbed when it was over and we had to have a bath. I have a feeling they'll be spending some time this summer in the mud pit.

Jack 11 months!

I can't believe that Jack is already 11 months old. This first year is flying by.

• Jack is crawling everywhere and cruising along every piece of furniture. He pulls anything down that he can reach. He also likes to empty the bib and towel drawer in the kitchen.
• He can stand on his own, but can't take a step by himself yet. He LOVES to hold our hands and walk.
• He is stubborn and opinionated and if we don't do what he wants, he lets us know.
• He thinks he is a big boy, but his baby body is holding him back.
• He continues to love Ryan and wants to do everything he does. Ryan usually loves his little shadow, but sometimes gets really frustrated when Jack doesn't do things "right" (i.e., mess up his train tracks, or rows of cars that he has arranged).
• Jack LOVES strawberries and sobs when he doesn't have any left. He also likes bananas and green beans. His other favorite is Ritz crackers. He also seems to like beans. Today we tried eggs again and he actually liked them.
• Jack is a BIG boy. He is 32 inches and 24 lbs. He wears 18 month clothes.
• Jack LOVES his blankie and has to crawl over to it every so often, rub his face on it, and suck his fingers.
• He is a little shy around a lot of people. When he's a little intimidated, he'll feel his blanket, suck his fingers, and need me to hold him.
• He loves animals and gets super excited to see Rita, or Mario, or Jed.
• Jack likes to crawl while pushing a car, making "broom, broom," sounds.
• He is fascinated by wheels and loves to spin them, just like Ryan did.
• He has decided he is one of the "guys" and when all the guys are outside, and he is inside with me, he'll go to the back door and yell to be let out.
• I love when he needs to come over for a little cuddle.

Happy 11 months Jack!

Jack has become REALLY attached to his blanket

I love that little grin

He's all eyes for his big brother

He thinks he is such a big boy

My Ryan